2
A thoroughly dissatisfying, undisciplined and gratuitously self-indulgent mess. by jk_fandango
If you've seen this movie you will know what I mean when I say, there is no way of making sense of it. While the acting is good, and the cinematography is very well done I cannot but give it a poor rating. The "shocking" nature of it is well done, raw and impactful--but utterly pointless, so it comes across as as a purely masturbatory exercise on the part of the filmmaker which leaves one feeling icky and gratuitously violated. I want to make it clear that it's not the graphic nature of the film itself that I have any objection to.
What actually _happened_ in the movie is never revealed--an unforgivable offense for this reviewer. Technically well executed, but poorly contrived. A maddeningly irritating waste of time--in this regard, a "study in insanity" is an apt description. If films are about taking the viewer on a journey, this one is like realizing you've got into the cab of a lunatic and you just hope you can get out somewhere close to where you need to be unscathed.
4
Von Trier In Top Form by PortlandCoffee1
Again, Lars Von Trier gives his audiences a strong visual with deep meaning. Antichrist main focus is on emotional instability and mental illness. Trier has deep fears of mental illness and of women and the brutality that they can inflict if they wanted. The pains of sex and the effects of sex as a selfish act or as an act of healing are brilliantly layered here. Also, the fear of sexual vulnerability and men being too vulnerable to sexual harm. Phobias and narcissism are all part of this amazing portrait of darkness. Great film even if it is a little pretentious and preachy. The performances are strong and well crafted. Lars Von Trier loves to create controversy and this one will do that. He has also created a strong portrait of fear and of the darkness that is anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.